April showers bring surging Cascades. There's no better way to experience the beauty of the season than with a hike to the Cascades. As the snow melts and the weather warms up, Waterville Valley's streams and rivers surge and the Cascades flow with renewed energy. With its wondrous forests, picturesque streams, and towering mountains, Waterville Valley is the perfect place to explore the springtime beauty of the White Mountains. Make the most of your hike by reading our Cascades Hike Itinerary below.

9:00 AM - Start the Day with a Hearty Breakfast

Before hitting the trails, fuel up with a hearty breakfast at one of Waterville Valley's local eateries. Swing by Town Square and stop into La Tasse Cafe, known for its delightful homemade pastries, coffee, and teas. If you're looking for a more traditional breakfast, Valley Pub serves a variety of tasty dishes, including breakfast sandwiches, pancakes, and omelets. For grab-n-go breakfast and coffee, stop by Jugtown Country store, where you can fuel up on pastries, breakfast sandwiches, coffee, and even grab some snacks for your hike!

10:00 AM - Hike Cascades Path

After breakfast, head to the Cascades Path, which starts at Snow's Mountain Parking Lot. To see detailed directions of Cascades Trail, please click HERE! Cascades Path follows Cascade Brook to a series of beautiful waterfalls. The trail is rated as moderate and is approximately 4.4 miles round trip. Hikers can expect to spend about 2-3 hours on the trail, depending on their pace and the amount of time spent admiring the waterfalls. Don't forget to take a moment to bask in the moment: take in the views of the majestic waterfalls, the crystal-clear water, and sounds of the waterfalls surging.

11:30 PM - Lunch Break

Be sure to pack snacks or even a picnic for your hike! There's no better place to dine than on the banks of Cascades Brook. Take in the beauty of the falls while chowing down on some tasty snacks.

1:00 PM - Discover Snow's Mountain.

While Cascades Path is technically an out & back route, it connects to Waterville Valley's 125 mile trail system, offering a variety of different route options for your treck back. After you've enjoyed the falls, follow Upper Snow's Mountain Trail to the picnic area at top of Snow's Mountain Chairlift. From here, you can enjoy awe-inspiring views of Mount Tecumseh and Mount Osceola. Plus, Snow's Mountain is home to an 18-Hole Disc Golf Course. Play a rousing round of Disc Golf as you weave your way down these historic ski trails to the base of the mountain.

3:00 PM - Explore Town Square

After your hike, head into Town Square to explore some of Waterville Valley's shops and boutiques. Every shop within Town Square is independently owned and operated, offering a unique selection of local products, gifts, and specialty items. Click HERE to read Waterville Valley's shopping guide.

5:00 PM - Dinner at a Local Restaurant

After a long day of hiking and exploring, relax and enjoy dinner at one of Waterville Valley's local eateries. Olde Waterville Pizza Co. is the local sports bar where you can enjoy live sports, craft beer, subs, sandwiches, and of course, pizza galore. La Hacienda offers a variety of delicious Mexican dishes, serving up margaritas, table-side guacamole, tacos, burritos, and more. For a more upscale dining experience, try the Coyote Grill, which offers fine dining in a cozy setting. During the weekend, the Snowy Owl Pub and Clubhouse Restaurant are open, which offer delightful American fare.

7:00 PM - Relax and Unwind

After dinner, take some time to relax and unwind. Jam out to some live music in Town Square, where concerts take place every Friday and Saturday night during the summer, beginning June 30th. Or simply take a stroll through the town and enjoy the beautiful spring scenery. Watch the sky turn fiery hues of pink and red as the sunsets over Mount Tecumseh. Some of the best places to catch the sunset are on the shores of Corcoran Pond, the gazebo in the Town Square Disc Golf Course, or the Waterville Valley Golf Course.

Cascades Hike Itinerary